Looking for a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Beef Sausage and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect answer. With smoky sausage, tender cabbage, and a savory-sweet sauce, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone seeking a low-carb comfort food dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.

It’s fast, it’s filling, and it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Beef Sausage and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir-fry checks all the boxes:

Quick and easy – Done in less than half an hour with minimal prep
One-pan meal – Less mess, fewer dishes
Flexible – Add or skip veggies based on what’s in your fridge
Low-carb and gluten-free friendly – Use tamari for a gluten-free version
Bold flavors – Thanks to smoky beef sausage, garlic, and a punchy sauce

The tender cabbage soaks up the flavor of the sausage and sauce, making every bite delicious. Whether you’re eating low-carb, avoiding gluten, or just want something simple and satisfying, this is a meal worth repeating.

Ingredients

200g (7 oz) beef sausage, sliced into rounds
1 (400g) medium cabbage, thinly sliced
1 (150g) medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 (150g) bell pepper (optional), sliced
1 (100g) carrot (optional), julienned
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey or a low-carb sweetener (optional)
Pinch of chili flakes (optional) for heat

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Instructions

Preparation:

Slice the sausage into bite-sized rounds or strips.
Chop the vegetables – thinly slice cabbage and onion; slice bell pepper and julienne carrot if using.
Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or sweetener (if using), and chili flakes.

Cooking:

Brown the sausage:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil and cook the beef sausage until browned and slightly crispy around the edges. Remove and set aside.
Cook aromatics:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cabbage (and optional veggies):
Add sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until it begins to soften but still has a bit of crunch. Add in the bell pepper and carrot if using.
Combine everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and evenly coated.
Serve:
Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for more heat.
Different Sausages: Try turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage.
No soy? Use coconut aminos instead for a soy-free alternative.
More protein: Add a fried egg or toss in tofu cubes for extra protein.
Keto-Friendly: Skip the carrots and sweetener to reduce carbs even more.

Heating and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, any smoked or pre-cooked sausage works well. Chicken, turkey, or plant-based options can be used depending on your preference.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the sausage with a vegetarian alternative like tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage.

Do I have to use sesame oil?

No, but sesame oil adds a nice toasted flavor. You can skip it or substitute with more olive oil if preferred.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, it saves time and works just as well in this recipe.

What kind of beef sausage works best?

Smoked or fully cooked beef sausage, such as kielbasa or beef links, works best for this quick stir-fry.

How can I make it more filling?

Serve it with rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles if you’re looking for a heartier meal.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

What other vegetables go well with this?

Zucchini, mushrooms, snap peas, and baby spinach all work well with this base.

How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?

Don’t overcook it—3 to 5 minutes is enough to soften it while retaining texture. Use high heat and stir frequently.

Conclusion

This Beef Sausage and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the kind of no-fuss, high-flavor meal that makes cooking at home feel easy and satisfying. It’s fast, flexible, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re whipping it up after work or prepping meals for the week, this stir-fry is sure to become a favorite. Serve it as-is or with a side of rice—either way, it’s comfort in a bowl.